By New York State Senator George Latimer

Editor's note:  Below is a letter from New York State Senator George Latimer to the editor of MyhometownBronxville.

Jun. 24, 2015:  On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, I had the opportunity to speak on the floor of the New York State Senate, raising significant objections to a bill rushed through by the senate majority to extend the property tax cap on a "permanent" basis.

This one-house bill passed with near-unanimous support. The vote itself was not that relevant, since this was a one-house bill that the assembly will never consider as presented. The majority senators knew that, seeking to get "credit" for controlling local property taxes with this bill, without the extension ever actually becoming law in this format.

What is relevant is a battle over making changes to the cap, as presented by those in town, village, city, and county governments and in school districts. The fact that the majority would not even consider the most reasonable and merited modifications tells you their willingness to ignore the collective voices of local officials of both parties, in all corners of the state, asking for less power in Albany and more power left at the grassroots to make decisions and determine their own fates.

What is also relevant is the fact that I was willing to speak up forcefully on behalf of our local school districts and local governments.

The points I made are exactly the same points made by the Bronxville Village Board most recently. As Bronxville's state senator, that is important for your readers to know.

Sincerely,

George Latimer
New York State Senator

Editor's note:  Senator Latimer can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Pictured here:  New York State Senator George Latimer.

Photo by Carol P. Bartold